How long does it take to walk the Fourvière hill highlights?

The walk typically takes between 2 to 3 hours. This includes about 60 minutes of actual walking time and 90 minutes for exploring the Basilica, the Roman theaters, and enjoying the views from the Jardin des Curiosités.

Is the Roman Theater in Lyon free to enter?

Yes, the Gallo-Roman theaters (both the Great Theater and the Odeon) are free to enter and explore. They are open daily from morning until dusk, though they may be closed for special events or performances.

Can I visit the Metallic Tower of Fourvière?

No, you cannot go inside or climb the tower. It is currently used as a telecommunications mast and is closed to the public, but it remains a significant landmark to view from the outside.

Is this walking route difficult?

The route is rated as moderate. While it starts at the top of the hill (accessible by funicular), there is some walking on inclines and uneven Roman stones, so comfortable shoes are highly recommended.

What is the best time of day to visit Fourvière?

Late afternoon is the best time to visit. You can explore the monuments while they are still open and then finish at the Jardin des Curiosités to watch the sunset over the city.

Are there toilets available on the Fourvière hill?

Yes, there are public toilets located near the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière and within the Lugdunum Museum nearby. There are also several restaurants and cafes in the area.

Is the Fourvière walk suitable for children?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy climbing the steps of the ancient Roman theaters and the open space of the Jardin des Curiosités, though parents should be careful on the steep theater steps.

How do I get to the start of the Fourvière walking route?

The easiest way is to take the Metro Line D to 'Vieux Lyon' and then transfer to the F2 funicular. The funicular will take you directly to the 'Fourvière' station, right next to the Basilica.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Perched high above the confluence of the Saône and Rhône rivers, the Fourvière hill is known as the 'Hill that Prays.' This self-guided walk invites you to explore the very foundation of Lyon, spanning two millennia of human history. From the grandeur of 19th-century religious architecture to the remarkably preserved remnants of the Roman city of Lugdunum, this route offers a profound look at how faith and power have shaped the city’s skyline. Your journey begins at the summit, where the white stone of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière glimmers against the sky, before winding through tranquil gardens and ancient stone theaters that once echoed with the voices of Roman citizens. On this walking route, you will discover why Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Unlike a standard walking tour Lyon offers elsewhere, this path focuses on the verticality of the city, transitioning from the 'heavenly' heights of the basilica to the archaeological 'depths' of the Roman theaters. You’ll encounter the Metallic Tower, a structure that rivals the Eiffel Tower in height relative to the city below, and stroll along the Passerelle des Quatre Vents, a former viaduct that now serves as a peaceful park with sweeping views. The experience culminates in a hidden garden that offers perhaps the most poetic panoramic view of the red-tiled roofs of the old town. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to understand the dual identity of Lyon: a city that looks toward the future while standing firmly on its imperial Roman roots. Whether you are a history buff or a photography enthusiast, this audio walk provides the context and stories needed to bring these silent stones to life at your own pace.

Highlights

The ornate mosaics and architecture of the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

Panoramic views of Lyon from the 'upside-down elephant' terrace

The Metallic Tower, Lyon's answer to the Eiffel Tower

Walking the elevated Passerelle des Quatre Vents

Exploring the massive 10,000-seat Great Roman Theater

Discovering the rare marble mosaics of the Roman Odeon

The quirky 'Montreal' chairs at the Jardin des Curiosités

Tour Stops (6)

Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière

Standing atop the hill, this basilica is the undisputed symbol of Lyon. Built between 1872 and 1884, it was funded by private donations to fulfill a vow made during the Franco-Prussian War. Locals often call it the 'upside-down elephant' because of its four heavy corner towers and rounded body. While the exterior is a mix of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, the interior is a masterclass in 19th-century maximalism. Take a moment to look at the intricate mosaics and stained glass that depict the history of France and the city's devotion to the Virgin Mary. The basilica was intended to demonstrate the power of the church in an era of rising secularism, and its position ensures it is visible from almost anywhere in the city below.

Metallic tower of Fourvière

Just a short walk from the basilica stands the Tour Métallique, a structure that often confuses visitors. Built in 1894, it was a private initiative intended to be a secular landmark to rival the religious dominance of the basilica next door. Standing at 85 meters tall, its summit is actually higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris because of the hill's elevation. Originally, it housed a restaurant and a hydraulic elevator for tourists, but today it serves as a television and radio transmitter and is closed to the public. It remains a striking piece of 19th-century ironwork and a reminder of the historical rivalry between the church and the state in French society.

Passerelle des Quatre Vents

This peaceful walkway, translated as the 'Bridge of the Four Winds,' offers a moment of tranquility away from the tourist crowds. It was originally built as a viaduct for a funeral tramway that carried coffins from the city up to the nearby Loyasse Cemetery. Today, the tracks are gone, replaced by a lush, landscaped path that feels like a garden in the sky. As you walk along this elevated route, look through the trees for unique glimpses of the Saône river and the rooftops of the Croix-Rousse district. It is a favorite spot for local joggers and those seeking a quiet vantage point over the urban sprawl.

Théâtre Gallo Romain

You are now standing in the heart of Lugdunum, the capital of the Roman province of Gallia Lugdunensis. This Great Theater is one of the oldest in France, dating back to 15 BC. In its prime, it could hold 10,000 spectators who came to watch comedies and tragedies. What makes this site remarkable is its state of preservation; you can still see the remains of the stage wall and the semicircular seating area built directly into the hillside. Every summer, the theater returns to its original purpose during the Nuits de Fourvière festival, hosting concerts and plays under the stars, proving that Roman engineering remains functional even after two thousand years.

Odeon of Lyon

Right next to the Great Theater is its smaller, more sophisticated sibling: the Odeon. With a capacity of about 3,000, this smaller theater was designed for more intimate performances, such as poetry readings and musical competitions. Only the elite of Roman society were typically invited here. If you look closely at the floor of the orchestra pit, you can still see fragments of rare, multicolored marble imported from across the Roman Empire, including green porphyry from Greece and red marble from Egypt. This level of luxury indicates the immense wealth and importance of Lyon during the reign of Hadrian. It is one of only two such theater-odeon pairings in all of Gaul.

Jardin des Curiosités

To conclude your journey, step into this hidden gem of a park. The Jardin des Curiosités was a gift from the city of Montreal to Lyon in 2000 to mark the 20th anniversary of their twinning. It is tucked away at the end of a quiet street and features six peculiar metal chairs fixed to the ground, each inscribed with poetic phrases. This is perhaps the best spot in the city to watch the light change over Lyon. From here, you can see the distinct 'Pencil' and 'Oxygène' skyscrapers in Part-Dieu, the historic Saint-Jean Cathedral, and the winding Saône. It is a place for reflection, perfectly bridging the gap between the ancient ruins you've just seen and the modern city below.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk starting at the Basilica and ending at the Roman theaters is ideal. This route covers the 19th-century religious history and the 1st-century Roman foundations of Lugdunum, offering a complete historical overview.